Research Fellow for the project ‘Maritime Kent: Shipping, Ports, and Communities, c.145-c.1650

University of Southampton – School of History

https://www.myscience.org/jobs/id2360270-research_fellow-university_of_southampton

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Fellow (6 months) to work on a project funded by the Janus Foundation, hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Southampton.

Kent’s unique position, particularly its proximity to both London and Europe, has meant that the county has been of strategic maritime importance since the Romans landed in 55BC. The narrow channel between Dover and Calais offers an opportunity to monitor and control both trade and military activity and so the control of this short stretch of water could provide significant strategic power. One of the strongest influences on the development of Kent’s maritime importance has been England’s ever-changing relationship with France, as our nearest neighbour, as well as with the Low Countries and Europe more generally.

The project will examine Kent’s maritime trade and coastal communities over an important period of English history. The project is particularly interested in examining the ships, shipmasters and merchants who worked out of Kent’s ports, and the commodities they traded in. This will be achieved by undertaking a systematic investigation of the records related to maritime commercial activity over the period 1450-1650.

With a strong record of interdisciplinary research, you will also have familiarity with computer databases and/or digital humanities research methods. A demonstrably high-level of skill in medieval and early modern English palaeography is an essential requirement of the post.

The successful applicant will be part of a large cross-institutional and interdisciplinary research team, be based at the University of Southampton and Canterbury Christ Church University, and will be supervised by Dr Craig Lambert (Southampton, Department of History) and Dr Shelia Sweetinburgh (Canterbury Christ Church)

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk . The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Holly Shergold (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 5719, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk . Please quote reference 1954822AR on all correspondence.